Mulayam said his government would try to change such anti-rape laws. “Those who level false allegations will also be punished… In Mumbai also, the rape accused have been sentenced to be hanged,” he said, referring to the Shakti Mills case.

Earlier too, Mulayam had criticised the amended anti-rape laws. In its poll manifesto also, the SP has promised to check the misuse of stringent measures in the anti-rape law. The manifesto mentions that SP MPs had voiced their concern about their possible misuse.

Mulayam said it would be unfortunate if Modi becomes PM as he could not protect women during the 2002 riots.